Sep 21, 2026Entertainment150 words1 min read

Merriam-Webster Adds 1,400 New Words to the Dictionary

0:00 / 0:00

Listen to the story

Merriam-Webster is a famous dictionary. It has added many new words. There are about 1,400 new words and meanings.

One new word is looksmaxxing. This means trying to look better. People do things to improve their face or body.

Another new word is vibe coding. This is a way to write computer programs. People use it with help from AI tools.

A third new word is cuffing season. This means the time of year when people want a partner. It is usually in the cold months.

Other new words are Sunday scaries and whack-a-mole. Sunday scaries means feeling worried before the work week starts.

Whack-a-mole is an old game. Now it also means trying to fix many problems fast. But new problems keep coming.

The dictionary changes every year. It adds new words that people use a lot. This shows how language changes over time.

Vocabulary6 words

📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?

Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.

1. How many new words did Merriam-Webster add?

2. What does 'cuffing season' mean?

3. True or False: 'Vibe coding' means writing code with AI help.

1. About 1,400 2. A time when people want a partner 3. True

✅ Nice work on the quiz!

Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Merriam-Webster is a famous _____. It has added many new words. There are about _____ new words and meanings.

One new word is _____. This means trying to look better.

Another new word is _____. This is a way to write computer programs.

A third new word is _____. This means the time of year when people want a partner.

Other new words are _____ and whack-a-mole. Sunday scaries means feeling worried before the work week starts.

🎓 Enjoyed this story?

Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.